The Creighton Bluejays (10-5, 1-1 Big East) and their sensational offense host the 21st-ranked Marquette Golden Eagles (12-3, 1-1 Big East) and their superb defense. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.
Marquette Golden Eagles vs. Creighton Bluejays Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Bluejays defeated the Western Illinois Leathernecks 78-67, while the Golden Eagles had no trouble getting past the UMBC Retrievers 67-42.
Marquette played a perfect game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.467 and a free throw rate of 0.183. UMBC had marks of 0.274 and 0.129, respectively, for those same stats. The Bluejays, on the other hand, had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.548 vs. 0.428) and had a better free throw rate (0.143 vs. 0.116). Creighton was led by Martin Krampelj, who put up 13 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Markus Howard had a good outing for Marquette, finishing with 15 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
The Golden Eagles dominated this series last year, securing victories in both games. In the most recent game, Marquette won 85-81. Marquette did a great job of converting from the free throw line (15-18; 83.3 percent). Creighton, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (5.0 vs. 17.1). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The Golden Eagles’ Sam Hauser has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Ty-Shon Alexander has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Bluejays.
This battle pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Creighton ranks 17th in offensive efficiency and Marquette ranks 28th in defensive efficiency.
Marquette Golden Eagles vs. Creighton Bluejays Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Creighton, ATS Winner – Marquette, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Marquette ranks 22nd in rebounds per game (41.0) while Creighton ranks 180th (35.1).
- The Golden Eagles rank 42nd in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Bluejays rank 94th (3.4).
- Creighton ranks 135th in steals per game (5.9) while Marquette ranks 145th in steals allowed per game (7.4).
- The Golden Eagles rank 83rd in three pointers attempted per game (24.7) while the Bluejays rank 154th in three pointers allowed per game (23.1).
- Marquette ranks 43rd in assists allowed per game (11.1) while Creighton ranks 96th (12.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Golden Eagles have scored an average of 74.8 points per game (3.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.8 points per game (0.9 below their season average).
- The Bluejays’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.0, down from 9.1 for the season.
